Whenever you’re ready, John

Written By: - Date published: 6:57 am, June 21st, 2011 - 53 comments
Categories: Gerry Brownlee, john key, spin - Tags: ,

Gerry Brownlee says an announcement on Christchurch’s land will be made “very, very soon” but testily refuses to give a date, or even a real timeframe. I have a sinking feeling this is all a PR exercise. Just as Brownlee has got everyone really agitated, that Nice Man Mr Key will unveil the information. When it fits into his diary, of course.

I am struggling to come up with any reason for Brownlee’s appearance on Morning Report yesterday, or Q+A and The Nation on the weekend, other than to antagonise people. He gave no information and got shirty just at being asked to. It was as if he was taken by surprise, three days in a row, that questioners would ask him about when he would announce which land will be rebuilt and which will be abandoned. Now, surely that wasn’t the case, which means his responses were planned.

National has played this game repeatedly in the past. The minister or some government proxy like the 2025 Taskforce does the scare job to lower public expectations. Then, just when public angst is reaching a fever pitch, in Key rolls, who beats the lowered expectations and everyone is expected to fawn.

It looks like the announcement on Christchurch’s land will be made when Key gets back from whatever important work he is doing in Australia. His weekly trip to Christchurch will be on Thursday, and that’s surely when he will reveal which areas will be saved and which won’t.

Of course, that must mean the information is already decided and known by senior ministers like Key and Brownlee but is being held back until Key’s diary opens up. This is government by showmanship, the practical concerns of the people in need come very much second to fitting things in to Key’s schedule for PR purposes.

There’s no denying it’s been effective politics in the past. But playing politics with the hopes and fears of the people of Christchurch’s Eastern suburbs as your pawns is surely a step too far.

53 comments on “Whenever you’re ready, John ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. tc 1
    21 June 2011 at 7:11 am

    Spot on Eddie, this is all about framing sideshow as the man of the moment, centre of everything, look at all the great stuff I’m doing etc etc.

    Playing politics and blagging another Term is where the relentless focus is going. Given sideshow was born and raised in chch just shows those banker morals yet again coming to the fore…..sod the people I’ve an election to win as it’s all about my brand.

  2. RedLogix 2
    21 June 2011 at 7:29 am

    A step too far yes…. but a game the media just loves to be in on.

  3. Robert Atack 3
    21 June 2011 at 8:11 am

    Pinochet, Thatcher, Reagan, Bush, Cheney, Key, Brownlee, they all follow the same philosophy – that of Milton Friedman.
    To get a good understanding of what Key and co have planed (and are putting into place) you need to read The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein or watch her movie
    “In THE SHOCK DOCTRINE, Naomi Klein explodes the myth that the global free market triumphed democratically. Exposing the thinking, the money trail and the puppet strings behind the world-changing crises and wars of the last four decades, The Shock Doctrine is the gripping story of how America’s “free market” policies have come to dominate the world– through the exploitation of disaster-shocked people and countries.” http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine
    Torrent http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5555952/The_Shock_Doctrine_2009_Ws_Pdtv_Xvid_Pboy

    Or I can supply copies

  4. burt 4
    21 June 2011 at 8:14 am

    Eddie

    You seem to have forgotten; The business of govt is whatever govt decide it to be.

    • bbfloyd 4.1
      21 June 2011 at 10:20 am

      burt…. once again you display your fascist sympathies for all to see.

      just for your benifit, i will explain what responsibility to the electorate means.

      it means that the policies that got a party elected in the first place are the ones the govt should be adhering to. that is why they were elected. they are chosen to REPRESENT us in the manner WE elected them to.

      if a new govt, after being elected, chooses to follow doctrines , and policies that were not espoused as policy before the election, then they aren’t governing according to mandate.
      compounding that with harassment and vilification/bullying of any dissenting voices.

      that is the opposite of democracy. that is fascism, or in the case of this govt, we are seeing a totalitarian, authoritative cabal developing where once democracy held sway(albeit for a short time).

      simple really… democratic government is about governing with the support of the populace because they understand, and support the policies, and philosophies of the governing party. it is NOT about the ruling party making its own rules as it goes along to suit itself without any reference, or consultation with the people who voted for it under false impressions.

      this is new zealand, not the porirua chapter of the mongrel mob…or is it?

      • burt 4.1.1
        21 June 2011 at 7:18 pm

        Yes I thought it was a fascist comment when I first heard it as well.

        I think the original quote was;

        “The role of government is whatever the government defined it to be”

        Do you know who said it ?

        • rosy 4.1.1.1
          21 June 2011 at 7:36 pm

          Have you got the original quote? With some context? I can only find Roger Kerr saying Helen said it.

          • burt 4.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2011 at 8:46 pm

            I can find lots of reference and I can tell you it was in relation to the government spending vast sums of tax payers money supporting uber rich yachties in the America’s cup 2003.

            But other than linking to outrage on various blogs and comments about it – sorry no links to the original quote.

            • lprent 4.1.1.1.1.1
              21 June 2011 at 8:53 pm

              Usually the reason for not being able to find an original source for a quote is that it was never said or was quoted completely out of context. This was a feature of the right wing in the 00’s. They loved lying to make up myths.

              For instance the way that “rich prick” was a taunt directed at John Key – somehow it became “rich pricks” in the hands of the nut jobs and directed at middle income earners. I seem to remember that you were one of the more shameful exponents of the practice yourself.

              • burt …
                21 June 2011 at 9:10 pm

                lprent

                Regrets, I’ve had a few … Michael Cullen reflects

                MICHAEL CULLEN didn’t mean to call John Key a rich prick. At least, not out loud. “That was an interjection I never meant to be heard by anybody, not even those around me,” says the former deputy prime minister.

                But are you saying Clark never said that lprent or are you just trying to cast doubt on the fact she said it because it was such a fascist thing for her to say ?

              • rosy …
                21 June 2011 at 9:11 pm

                I thought so too. IF it was said, it was probably in total exasperation of having Roger Kerr ranting again and again “it’s not the governments role…..” for ALL government initiatives.

              • Deadly_NZ …
                21 June 2011 at 11:55 pm

                Errrrr not quite correct Lprent.

                “To the supporters of unfettered Government power, and in the words of the Rt Hon Helen Clark, the role of Government is whatever the Government defines it to be.”

                by of All people.

                http://www.rogerdouglas.org.nz/?p=392

              • Draco T Bastard …
                22 June 2011 at 12:53 am

                So, Roger Kerr and Roger Douglas attribute it to Helen Clark. Roger Kerr specifically says that it was quoted in “Dominion Post of 4 March” but if they did it’s not online.

                ATM, I’d take that with a grain of salt. Neither of those two are trustworthy.

  5. ghostwhowalksnz 5
    21 June 2011 at 8:40 am

    The problem is not that they dont know which areas will be abandoned, but Key will fluff his lines and write off the wrong areas. … but wait New Plymouth has had a tornado….. so must get a helicopter visit from El jefe.

    So many disasters…. so much smiling and waving…. who has time for any work ?

    • ianupnorth 5.1
      21 June 2011 at 10:26 pm

      Oh come on don’t be so cynical…. he was out representing us ordinary Kiwi’s at the $8000 per head dinner with rich Aussie’s last night, bless.
       
      Surely no touting for another banking job, maybe looking for a loan for mre tax cuts?

  6. Greg Presland 6
    21 June 2011 at 9:03 am

    On Radio New Zealand this morning Lianne Dalziel said basically the same thing.  She also said that the Christchurch MPs had been told their usual briefing would be changed to Christchurch this Thursday and thought that the announcement would be deferred to then.

    She thought the delay was so that a scripted smile and wave opportunity could be presented to Key.  Brand Key at work again. 

    She also commented on Brownlee’s beligerence over the past few days.  On the third day of asking “when” he continued to express surprise and attack.

    So folks a further period of uncertainty and anguish for the people of Christchurch so that Key could have a smile and wave opportunity.

    Appalling.

    EDIT: Link is at http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2491771/labour-mps-pressure-government-to-release-land-details.asx

    • Lanthanide 6.1
      21 June 2011 at 9:17 am

      Why did they even have that dork Kennedy Graham on there? Did they even ask Jim Anderton to front, or is he now seen as irrelevant by the MSM?

  7. Inventory2 7
    21 June 2011 at 9:55 am

    I spent time in Christchurch at the weekend, including a stint digging liquefaction at a friend’s place in New Brighton. The general feeling is that CERA and the government have the devil’s own job in making these decisions, and whilst the people we were helping want to know what is happening to their area and their house, they realise that Monday’s quakes changed the game again.

    The decisions to be announced whenever will impact on Christchurch for generations. Hasty decisions are generally poor decisions. I’m surprised that Goff is now making this a politcal football by accusing the government of undue delays. It’s a long time since I learned Latin at high school, but the proverb Festina lente comes to mind; hasten slowly.

    • Blighty 7.1
      21 June 2011 at 10:25 am

      No-one’s asking for hasty decisions.

    • Colonial Viper 7.2
      21 June 2011 at 10:27 am

      The decisions to be announced whenever will impact on Christchurch for generations. Hasty decisions are generally poor decisions.

      Some emergency decisions are needed for those families living in semi destroyed housing. Also for those businesses currently bleeding into bankruptcy (Are those decisions forthcoming??? Or is the attitude here that a long enough delay will cause the problems (i.e. the people) to leave)

      For others not in as urgent a situation, they would still like to know where the decision making process is at and what options are being considered and why.

      Not sure why Brownlee and CERA won’t even say that much. Keeping everyone in the dark about the process underway is a good way to sap confidence.

      I’m surprised that Goff is now making this a politcal football by accusing the government of undue delays.

      Christchurch is going to lose National this election.

    • bbfloyd 7.3
      21 June 2011 at 10:42 am

      well you’ve got that alright. the govt are going so slowly that they must be moving at the speed of light! it really must be falling to bits down there in wellywood if they have their footsloggers busy making excuses for them.

      get this numby,,, the govt has had the info they needed for the decisions to be made for months! they have been playing coy games around that fact for weeks! difficult, or not, they have the most comprehensive data, and the most competent advisers available.

      knowing this, you still maintain that the govt is handling this issue in the most humane, sensible manner possible? bullshit! they’ve turned what is a traumatic experience for hundreds of thousands of kiwis into a series of publicity stunts. disgusting, reprehensible lowlife.

      making excuses for incompetence and the procrastination that has ensued is more a reflection on the ones making those excuses than any meaningful statement of mitigation.

    • Zaphod Beeblebrox 7.4
      21 June 2011 at 2:24 pm

      The problem is not the speed of decision-making, but rather the lack of a coherent process and timetable to guide the decision making process. Making it up as you go along is fine for playing in the sand pit- but not really conducive to good government.

      • rosy 7.4.1
        21 June 2011 at 6:50 pm

        exactly ZB.

        The frustration is also is increased by one of the fundamental differences between the left and right – the left advocates strongly for community engagement (community boards and DHB boards are 2 examples) while the right sees community engagement as a waste of time and a barrier to progress (mantras of cutting redtape, reducing the rights to appeal process e.g. in the RMA and Auckland super city). The ethos of community engagement affects much of the discussion around Brownlee’s performance.

    • Puddleglum 7.5
      21 June 2011 at 7:28 pm

      Hi Inventory2, I wouldn’t put all your eggs in the ‘general feeling’ you got from those you were helping. I’m here all the time and – with hand on heart – I can say that most people I talk to are increasingly annoyed at Brownlee’s attitude as well as the slowness. And a recurring theme is that it’s all about what insurers and reinsurers want and not about what the affected people need.

  8. freedom 8
    21 June 2011 at 10:17 am

    The recovery of CHCH has been designed as a Photo-op for Mr Key, who will pop in from OZ, smile wave and leave for overseas again. I guess that’s why Brownlee was so pissed of on The Nation, Q&A, and RadioNZ as he is going to be the one left with all the call waiting lights flashing. This is a disgraceful way to treat the poeple of CHCH who have lost so much.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733527

    • ianmac 8.1
      21 June 2011 at 10:34 am

      It is classic Bad cop Brownlie V Good cop Key. Works every time. We Peasants should be impressed.

    • Jim Nald 8.2
      21 June 2011 at 10:37 am

      Let’s hope John Key will be focused on more than mincing around with the new CERA jacket which Brownlee was smugly showing off the other day.

  9. mike 9
    21 June 2011 at 10:59 am

    Please! Don’t put so many pictures of that hideous national party leader person on your site. It’s just about as bad as TV1. The Standard is my home page, I like to take things slowly in the morning, if I wake to that slimy mug on my computer I begin to over heat – not good for the health. Everyone else is plastering his twisted visage all over their news coverage, please don’t join the club – even in jest. One more time: NO MORE PICTURES OF THAT BASTARD! please

    • lprent 9.1
      21 June 2011 at 2:18 pm

      But they are such goofy pictures….

      • mike 9.1.1
        21 June 2011 at 2:36 pm

        That’s right, but it’s still him! That unfortunate image is invading my life. My plea is to use sparingly, if at all.

        • Jim Nald 9.1.1.1
          21 June 2011 at 2:40 pm

          If you don’t want to see any more of those pictures, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to vote him off the island on Nov 26.

          • mike 9.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2011 at 6:17 pm

            Don’t worry, I’ll be doing my bit!

            • Anne 9.1.1.1.1.1
              21 June 2011 at 7:51 pm

              You sound like me mike. If Key appears on TV1 6pm news I change to TV3 6pm news. If he’s there as well I come close to hurling the remote at the TV screen. Hasn’t happened yet – I purposefully miss – but it’s getting closer by the day. Can’t stand the sly smile and style, or his dreadful diction. He should be banned from all TV screens because he’s a serious health risk!

              • HitchensFan …
                21 June 2011 at 8:07 pm

                hahahahah @Anne and Mike. I SO agree. And as for Brownlee….every time I see his fat, smug face I just start yelling until my husband reminds me “they can’t hear you, dear…”

        • ianupnorth 9.1.1.2
          21 June 2011 at 10:30 pm

          I agree – we want rid of this bugger for good!

  10. Blighty 10
    21 June 2011 at 11:17 am

    So, now we learn that Key is coming back to sign off on the entire package this evening and the announcement will be Thursday. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/5169997/Christchurch-suburbs-to-learn-fates

    they’ve already booked the advertising and mail-drop. No doubt it will have a picture of John Key smiling on it.

    This surely means that major decisions had been made days, if not weeks ago but Brownlee sat on it.

    • Colonial Viper 10.1
      21 June 2011 at 11:53 am

      People have got to know that National have turned Christchurch into a political and PR football.

    • freedom 10.2
      21 June 2011 at 5:19 pm

      100% pure stage managed media release complete with cued up comments.  We all regularly experience how Stuff takes hours to review comments and yet today the stream of accusations against labour exposing the blatant manipulation of the situation in CHCH fills the Stuff comments within moments of the article being posted.  The destruction of the fourth estate is blindingly obvious.
      When can we rebuild that i wonder?

      • bbfloyd 10.2.1
        21 June 2011 at 6:29 pm

        speaking of the “fourth estate”. have just watched duncan garner extolling the fact that because key is off to india at the end of the week, that any announcement has to be made before that.

        when did key become minister for everything? the whole article was a complete whitewash.. made me ill to watch.

        i don’t really believe he’s that stupid. but any other conclusion would be disquieting, too say the least.

  11. Wolfie 11
    21 June 2011 at 2:21 pm

    It’s time to get rid of Christchurch isn’t it?

    Why waste billions of dollars rebuilding the place when even more aftershocks are on the way to wreck it even further?

    • Jim Nald 11.1
      21 June 2011 at 2:37 pm

      Maybe John Key would be ready to announce that to foreign media next time he is overseas?
      There is his India trip coming up later this week.

  12. infused 12
    21 June 2011 at 3:18 pm

    *Edit*

    You will hear it in the next 24hrs.

  13. jackal 13
    21 June 2011 at 7:36 pm

    I really hate to see National playing politics with Cantabrians lives.

  14. infused 14
    21 June 2011 at 9:18 pm

    The announcements already been finalized. zzzz

  15. Afewknowthetruth 15
    21 June 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Oceans on brink of catastrophe
    Marine life facing mass extinction ‘within one human generation’ / State of seas ‘much worse than we thought’, says global panel of scientists
    By Michael McCarthy, Environment Editor
    Tuesday, 21 June 2011

    Dead oceans = dead planet

    Keep looting and polluting and waving the hand John …. a goodbye to your children’s future?

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-01T05:36:36+00:00